Quote:
Originally Posted by svbps
If an operator of a boat accepts any kind of "consideration" for taking anyone anywhere on a boat, it's commercial use and requires a commercial license and the boat needs to be commercially registered. This could be $, fuel, a six pack of beer, whatever.
Just make sure that beer isn't consumed until after you made it to your destination.  |
The boat can be registered to anyone. It does not need to be registered to a commercial operation. However, I would make sure that the boat insurance company knew that it was being used for other than recreational purposes if you are hiring it out.
One example of someone operating a boat for "consideration" would be the employee of a boat dealer picking up or dropping off a customers boat. That would require a commercial license but the registration and registered owner of the boat would not come into play.
The beer can be consumed at any time, including while underway. The boat operator may consume the beer while operating the boat. He just cannot consume enough so that he is impaired according to the law.